Tory-driven FE cuts remind us why we need a Labour UK Government

Nia Griffith addressed a demonstration by students and staff at Coleg Sir Gar’s Graig Campus to protest against cuts in Further Education funding which could see the College lose 60 members of staff and scrap adult education courses, which help upskill and widen job opportunities for adults, some of whom have missed out on education previously and find themselves the furthest from the jobs market.

“Cameron and his Tories have slashed the funding to Welsh Government, forcing them to make cuts on an unprecedented scale. These Tory-driven cuts are yet another clear example of why we desperately need a Labour Government at UK level in Westminster. With Labour’s plans to boost tax revenue through improved growth in the economy, clamping down on tax avoidance and reversing the Tories’ tax cuts for millionaires, as well as a responsible but more measured approach to getting the deficit down, we will be able to cut much less drastically than the Tories. We will give more funds to Welsh Government, and deliver fair funding for Wales, with an extra £375 million a year. That will give them more wriggle room in managing their budget. I am delighted to see such an excellent turn out: the media often focus on health or schools, and adult education can get forgotten, so it is vital that we speak up to show that we really value adult education, and want to see the funding protected. ”